Musings and reflections from the home front

Families in Singapore: Past, Present and Future

“We must remember to look back at our past achievements, our past struggles, to celebrate our present achievements for where we are…and then to look forward to the next 50 years – what kind of nation we want to create out of Singapore.”
– Communications and Information Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Aug 2 at Kolam Ayer

Birthdays are an opportune time to reflect on years gone by, consider our progress, and look with hope to the future. When it comes to our nation Singapore, we often give thought to the condition of our economy, the political landscape or the educational sphere.

So what about family? Families are integral to our lives and fundamental to society; perhaps it is now the opportune time to stop and consider how we have done as a nation in the arena of family life.

Most Singaporeans value their families; a Family Values Survey by the National Family Council in 2010 revealed that 91% of those polled consider family as being most important. Many also feel that they have close-knit families and are able to turn to their family members in times of need, whether emotional or financial.[i]

The reality is that families are facing pressures from all around: demanding jobs eating into family time, over-reliance on gadgets replacing heart-to-heart conversations, shifting values on the permanence of marriage … the list goes on.

If we are to stand upon the old adage that “strong families build a strong society”, it is crucial for us to strengthen family ties even as Singapore continues to progress as a nation. While we may not be able to influence all families, we can certainly start working on our own by:

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About Focus on the Family Singapore

Focus on the Family Singapore Ltd (www.family.org.sg) is a local charity with IPC status that is dedicated to helping families thrive. We partner individuals and organizations to promote strong families through differentiated programs, trusted resources, family counseling and content placement in various media.

Welcome to our musings and reflections from the family front! This is a space for us to share our perspectives, mull over thoughts and ponder insights pertaining to life and family. Come join us, for life is a journey best shared & travelled with good company!